Comprehensive Guide to China’s 240-Hour Transit Visa Policy

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia joined China’s 240-hour visa-free transit on June 12, 2025, increasing eligible countries to 55.
• Travelers must have valid passports and confirmed onward tickets to a third country for visa-free entry.
• The policy allows a 10-day stay through any of 60 ports across 24 Chinese provinces without visa fees.

China’s 240-Hour Transit visa/chinese-visa-free-travel-discover-the-countries-in-visa-waiver-agreements-with-china”>visa: Indonesia Joins Expanding List of Eligible Countries

China’s 240-hour transit visa policy has seen a major update as of June 12, 2025. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced that Indonesia is now included in the list of countries whose citizens can enjoy visa-free transit through China for up to 240 hours. This move brings the total number of eligible countries to 55, reflecting China’s ongoing efforts to make international travel easier and to boost tourism and business exchanges.

What Is the 240-Hour Transit Visa Policy?

The 240-hour transit visa, also called the 10-day visa-free transit, allows travelers from certain countries to stay in China without a visa if they are passing through on their way to a third country. This means you can enter China, stay for up to 10 days, and then continue your journey to another country (not the one you started from).

Key facts:
– Who: Citizens of 55 countries, including Indonesia, Russia, and the United Kingdom
– What: Stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa
– Where: Entry and exit through any of 60 approved ports in 24 provincial-level regions
– When: Indonesia added to the list on June 12, 2025
– Why: To encourage international travel, tourism, and business
– How: By showing a valid passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country

How the Policy Works

To use the 240-hour transit visa, travelers must meet several requirements:

• Nationality: You must hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries. Indonesia was added to this list on June 12, 2025.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date you arrive in China.
• Onward Ticket: You need a confirmed ticket to a third country. This means you cannot use a return ticket to your country of origin; you must be traveling onward to a different country.
• Entry Points: You must enter and exit through one of the 60 approved ports across 24 regions in China.
• Stay Calculation: The 240-hour period starts at midnight (00:00) the day after you arrive. For example, if you land at 8:00 AM on January 1, your 240 hours start at 00:00 on January 2 and end at 23:59 on January 11.

Why Was the Policy Expanded?

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) and the Chinese government have made it clear that the main goal is to support tourism and business. By making it easier for people to visit China without the hassle of applying for a visa, they hope to attract more travelers, increase spending in local economies, and encourage international exchanges.

According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this policy aligns with global trends where countries are making it easier for travelers to visit, especially for short stays or layovers. Many countries have similar transit visa programs, but China’s 240-hour option is one of the longest and most flexible.

Who Benefits from the 240-Hour Transit Visa?

Travelers

For travelers, the 240-hour transit visa means:
– Longer Layovers: You can spend up to 10 days in China, giving you time to explore cities, visit friends, or attend business meetings.
– No Visa Fees: There are no extra charges for the visa-free transit itself, though you still need to follow normal airport and immigration procedures.
– Less Paperwork: You don’t need to fill out lengthy visa applications or wait for approval.

Airlines and Transportation Providers

Airlines must recognize the policy and allow eligible travelers to board flights to China. However, some airlines may not be fully aware of the rules, which can cause problems at check-in. It’s important for travelers to double-check with their airline before flying.

Tourism and Business Sectors

Tourism and business groups expect more visitors, which can help local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Business travelers can also use the policy for short meetings or events without needing a full visa.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using the 240-Hour Transit Visa

1. Check Your Eligibility
   • Make sure your country is on the list of 55 eligible countries (including Indonesia).
   • Your passport must be valid for at least three months from your arrival date.
2. Book Your Travel
   • Buy a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your country of origin). The ticket must have a set date and seat.
3. Arrive in China
   • Show your passport and onward ticket at check-in and when you arrive in China.
   • Fill out the landing card for foreigners in transit.
4. Go Through Immigration
   • Answer any questions from immigration officers.
   • If everything is in order, you’ll be allowed to enter China for up to 240 hours.
5. Enjoy Your Stay
   • You can travel within the region you entered, but check local rules for any restrictions.
   • Remember, your 240 hours start at midnight the day after you arrive.
6. Leave China on Time
   • You must leave for your third country before the 240-hour period ends.

Important Details and Common Questions

Can I Return to My Country of Origin?

No. The 240-hour transit visa is only for travelers passing through China on their way to a third country. You cannot use it to return to the country you started from.

How Is the 240-Hour Period Calculated?

The clock starts at 00:00 (midnight) the day after you arrive in China. For example, if you land at 3:00 PM on June 1, your 240 hours begin at 00:00 on June 2 and end at 23:59 on June 11.

What If My Airline Doesn’t Recognize the Policy?

Some airlines may not be familiar with the 240-hour transit visa. It’s a good idea to contact your airline before your trip and bring official information from the National Immigration Administration. You can find details on the official NIA website.

Are There Any Fees?

No, there are no fees for the visa-free transit itself. However, you’ll still need to pay for your flights and any normal airport charges.

Policy Changes and Historical Context

China’s transit visa policy has changed several times over the years:

• Before December 2024: China offered 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit options.
• December 2024: The policy was expanded to 240 hours, and the number of eligible entry and exit ports increased to 60.
• June 12, 2025: Indonesia was added to the list of eligible countries, bringing the total to 55.

China has also signed mutual visa exemption agreements with several countries and expanded unilateral visa-free entry for others, showing a clear trend toward making travel easier.

Implications for Stakeholders

Governments

For the Chinese government, the 240-hour transit visa is a way to improve international relations and show openness to the world. It helps build economic and cultural ties with other countries.

Travel Industry

Airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators benefit from more travelers passing through China. They can offer new routes and packages for people who want to explore China during a layover.

Travelers

Travelers enjoy more flexibility and lower costs. However, they must be careful to follow all rules, especially the requirement to travel to a third country and not overstay the 240-hour limit.

Challenges and Recommendations

While the policy is helpful, there are some challenges:

• Awareness: Not all travelers or airline staff know about the policy, which can lead to confusion or denied boarding.
• Strict Rules: Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. If you don’t meet this rule, you may be denied entry.
• Changing List: The list of eligible countries and ports can change, so it’s important to check the latest information before traveling.

Expert tip: Always double-check requirements with your airline and the National Immigration Administration before your trip. Stay updated on any changes to the policy or list of eligible countries.

Future Outlook

China may continue to add more countries to the 240-hour transit visa program and could further extend the maximum stay or add more entry ports. The NIA regularly reviews the policy and makes updates based on international travel trends.

This open-door approach is expected to support China’s economic growth and strengthen its role in global tourism and business.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the National Immigration Administration’s official English website. You can also contact Chinese embassies or consulates in your country for help with specific questions.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Practical Example: How It Works

Let’s say you’re an Indonesian citizen flying from Jakarta to Paris with a layover in Shanghai. Because Indonesia is now on the list of eligible countries, you can enter China without a visa, spend up to 10 days exploring Shanghai or nearby cities, and then continue your journey to Paris. You just need to show your valid passport and your confirmed ticket to Paris when you arrive.

Final Takeaways

• Indonesia is now included in China’s 240-hour transit visa program, making it easier for Indonesian travelers to visit China during layovers.
• Travelers from 55 countries can use this policy, but must have a valid passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
• No visa fees are required, but you must follow all rules and leave China within 240 hours.
• Check official sources like the National Immigration Administration’s website for the latest updates and details.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, China’s 240-hour transit visa policy is one of the most flexible in the world, offering travelers more options and supporting the country’s goals of boosting tourism and business. If you’re planning a trip that passes through China, this policy could save you time and money—just make sure you meet all the requirements before you go.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the official NIA English website.

Word count: 1,520

Learn Today

240-hour transit visa → A China policy allowing visa-free stay up to 10 days for travelers passing through to third countries.
National Immigration Administration (NIA) → Chinese government agency managing immigration policies, including the 240-hour transit visa program.
Onward ticket → A confirmed travel ticket from China to a third country, mandatory for 240-hour transit visa eligibility.
Entry ports → Specific airports or border checkpoints approved for visa-free transit entry and exit in China.
Visa-free transit → Traveling through a country without requiring a visa, permitted under specific conditions and time limits.

This Article in a Nutshell

China updated its 240-hour transit visa policy, adding Indonesia among 55 eligible countries. Travelers can enjoy visa-free stays up to 10 days during layovers, boosting tourism and business. This flexible approach eases international transit, requiring confirmed onward tickets and entry through designated ports to support economic growth.
— By VisaVerge.com